An icon answers: phil smith
Colin McAndrew from Medusa Hairdressing in Edinburgh puts give questions to his hairdressing icon, Phil Smith.
You have so much going on - salons, awards, running the business and marathons. How do you achieve the perfect balance?
There isn't an ideal balance. For me, it is important to prioritise and deal with situations as they arise. It is good to forward plan, but you also need to be spontaneous, otherwise you might miss the moment.
I enjoy spending time in my salons with the team and clients, and spending time at home with my wife and children, so every week I make sure I have quality time with them all. Running three marathons is something I always wanted to do before I turned 40, so I use the training time to reflect on the business and help create a better balance.
What advice would you give to someone in my position who is starting out managing a three-salon group?
The jump from creative director to salon owner is never easy, and as you have taken on three salons at once it is going to be tricky. But never give up. There will be tough times - there always are in life, but use your motivation and love for the industry to keep fighting through. The most important asset to you now is your team, so spend time ensuring they understand, appreciate and respect your business. Stay motivated and strive to be the best.
What business challenges are you currently facing?
I have found a rise in the housing market has had an effect on the salon business. It is now harder for young, ambitious people to make that first step in securing a property, so they are moving away from the cities to rural locations where prices are more affordable.
Where does your true love lie, in creating beautiful collections or winning awards for your business acumen?
My true love lies with being successful, in both business and creative aspects of the industry. However, my HJ Hall of Fame award for Wales and South West Hairdresser of the Year is my most treasured possession, so maybe my love lies with being creative? The business needs to be going well in order to pursue the creative side, so achieving this balance is very important.
With so many salons on different levels for clients to choose from, what do you think a good salon has to offer to succeed?
Fundamentally, there are three qualities a salon needs to succeed - good coffee, good chat and a great haircut. Good conversation comes from brilliant people who have been trained to the highest degree in consultations and client relations, and work in an environment they are happy and proud of. Great haircuts come from those with continuous training that keeps them constantly updated. And, a good cup of coffee - well, you're on your own there!
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